BALTIMORE (May 07, 2008)  The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) awarded Quentin Forrest, of the Science Services Administration the prestigious Employee of the Year Award. Forrest lives in Calvert County.

Forrest was recognized for the effort he put forth in the technical development of a new field GIS system and database.

The employee of the year is recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty to serve Maryland and ensure that our environment and the safety of our citizens is protected, said MDE Secretary Shari T. Wilson. Mr. Forrests development of the use of GIS enhances the work of MDE to monitor the water quality in our beaches and shellfish harvesting areas.

This system developed in part by Forrest will be deployed statewide in both MDEs Shellfish and Beaches Programs. The Beaches Program has been nationally recognized by the U.S. EPA as an integral tool to help identify potential impairments to recreational bathing areas.

According to the MDE, the GIS database will greatly enhance the programs through direct data entry, eliminating all paper files generated in the past, and place the system as a lead in pollution source assessments.

"The development of this system was truly a team effort, said Forrest. I am proud to be part of this project that will protect our citizens and our waterways.

Forrest joined MDE in 1999 as a Toxicologist. He works in the Compliance Monitoring Program located in the Annapolis Field Office.